Chargers fire Turner, Smith

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers fired head coach Norv
Turner and general manager A.J. Smith on Monday.

The 60-year-old Turner, who was hired in 2007, produced a 56-40 record over six seasons and guided the Chargers to three divisional crowns and an appearance in the 2007 AFC Championship Game in his first year at the helm.

There's been a steady decline, though, since San Diego lost that title game
to the New England Patriots.

After leading the squad to a 32-16 mark over his first three campaigns, the
team went just 24-24 over Turner's last three years, all of which ended
without a playoff appearance.

2012 was San Diego's first losing season since 2003.

"I thank A.J. and Norv for the determination and integrity they brought to the
Chargers each and every day," said Chargers president Dean Spanos. "Both Norv
and A.J. are consummate NFL professionals, and they understand that in this
league, the bottom-line is winning. My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that
is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and
general manager positions."

Turner has a 114-122-1 career record, which also included stops with the
Washington Redskins (1994-2000) and Oakland Raiders (2004-05).

Smith joined the Chargers as the assistant general manager in 2001 before
becoming the full-time general manager in 2003. During his 10 years, San Diego
won five AFC West divisional crowns.